Farooq Abdullah (PTI file photo) NEW DELHI: After an attempt on his life, former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Thursday reflected on the incident, saying, “God saved me.”Sharing brief details about the tense moments at a wedding function in Jammu’s Greater Kailash area, NC chief told reporters, “I was walking out of the venue when I heard the sound of a firecracker. Immediately, I was rushed into a car. Later, I was told that there was a man with a pistol who had fired two shots. Neither do I know this man (the accused), nor do I have any information about him.” Gunman Targets Farooq Abdullah At J&K Wedding, Security Team Stops Attack In Time Farooq further said, “I don’t know what his (accused Kamal’s) intention was. To say it was a security lapse would be a big statement to make. Many big personalities were present at this wedding, but there was no police present. By Allah’s grace, my security was present with me, and my life was saved. Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Saudi intercepts drone headed to Shaybah oil field; Israeli strikes 10 Hezbollah targets in Beirut’Legitimate targets’: Iran issues warning to US tech firms including Google, Amazon, Microsoft, NvidiaIran sets three conditions for talks with US as Middle East war rages onI did get a call (from the Union Home Minister) who asked me about my well-being and assured me that they would investigate the matter. An inquiry should be done. Such things keep happening when there is a situation of hatred now…. No religion teaches hatred, but only to love…”He also reflected on the changed power dynamics in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370, which turned the state into a Union Territory and brought law and order under the Centre’s direct control. He said, “The Central and the UT govt should see if the situation here is really improved. We might have differences of opinion, but we have to work together as we are a democracy and voice our opinions…”While talking to reporters, Farooq once again demanded the restoration of full statehood for Jammu and Kashmir. “An elected govt doesn’t have powers—how can it continue this way? We were promised that statehood would be restored…”“No matter how much security you increase, the killer always has an advantage. The problem is that we live in an era where terrorism is up in the sky, and we cannot control it,” he added.This was Abdullah’s first reaction after a 63-year-old man, Kamal Singh Jamwal, suddenly opened fire at the wedding venue, firing two rounds allegedly targeting the former chief minister and long-time National Conference leader.The tense situation was quickly brought under control by Abdullah’s security personnel, as seen in CCTV footage from the venue.Officials said that Farooq, accompanied by Jammu and Kashmir deputy chief minister Surinder Choudhary, was returning from a marriage function when the incident occurred.The suspect was quickly overpowered and detained at the spot, preventing any harm to the leaders.Farooq Abdullah’s son and Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah took to social media to inform about the “very close shave” during the function and raised questions about possible security lapses.”Allah is kind. My father had a very close shave. The details are sketchy at the moment but what is known is that a man with a loaded pistol was able to get within point blank range & discharge a shot. It was only the close protection team that deflected the shot & ensured that the assassination attempt failed. There are more questions than answers at the moment including but not limited to how someone was able to get this close to a Z+ NSG protected former CM,” Omar Abdullah said in a post on X.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndian Air Force Flags China’s Expanding Influence Across South Asia And Indian Ocean RegionUS Destroys 16 Iran Ships Deployed To Lay Mines In Strait Of Hormuz; Thai Ship Attacked, 3 MissingVideo Shows Moment Hyderabad-Phuket Air India Express Flight Hard Lands At Airport In ThailandIndian Exports Under US Scanner As Trump Orders Probe Into Trade Practices, Tariff Threat ReturnsIndia Deplores Attack On Gujarat-Bound Thai-Ship Mayuree Naree In Strait Of HormuzGunman Targets Farooq Abdullah At J&K Wedding, Security Team Stops Attack In TimeNo LPG Shortage: Govt Unveils Plan To Prioritise Homes, Hospitals, SchoolsPreparing Against Joint China & Pakistan Threat, India Buys More Weapons Than Any Nation : Report‘Parliament Is Not A Party Office’: TMC’s Sayani Ghosh Targets Modi Govt During Speaker Trust MotionLok Sabha Drama Ends With Voice Vote Defeating Opposition Move Against Speaker Om Birla123PhotostoriesRamadan Sehri: 6 egg recipes you can prepare in less than 30 minutesLPG Gas Cylinder Shortage: 5 daily dishes to make in a pressure cooker and simple hacks to make LPG cylinders last longer10 beautiful weeds hiding in your yard that could actually be dangerous5 clear signs your crush is falling in love with you40°C, 34°C… and what’s next? 3 heatwave alerts already in Mumbai as city bakes under scorching sun6 self-growing climbers that are low maintenance and Indian weather-proofSneak peek inside cricketer Arshdeep Singh’s home: Step into a spacious, modern, and surprisingly cozy family-friendly space’The last of the stars’: Inspiring journey of Shah Rukh Khan from TV actor to global superstarHow the colours you wear affect your energy, according to Sadhguru6 rare luxury cars owned by Virat Kohli123Hot PicksStrait of Hormuz naval minesChina Yj-12 missileUCC gender biasCovid vaccine compensation policyIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingCardi BIPL Teams Match ScheduleThe RockMumbai TemperatureLPG Shortage in MumbaiMadhya Pradesh Student RapeIransoleimani class warshipsIran US WarBombay high courtMiddle East War
Farooq Abdullah (PTI file photo) NEW DELHI: After an attempt on his life, former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Thursday reflected on the incident, saying, “God saved me.”Sharing brief details about the tense moments at a wedding function in Jammu’s Greater Kailash area, NC chief told reporters, “I…
